On Sunday, January 25, 2026, faculty and staff members at Al-Qadisiyah Polytechnic College organized a peaceful sit-in to protest the decision to cut university allowances issued by the Ministry of Finance upon the recommendation of the Economic Cabinet. They emphasized that this decision violates a legally established right that should not be tampered with through administrative orders.
During the sit-in, the Dean of Al-Qadisiyah Polytechnic College, Professor Dr. Zaki Mohammed Abbas Bahieh, expressed his full support for the protestors, stating that university service allowances are stipulated in an enforceable law, and can only be altered or canceled through legislation passed by the Iraqi Parliament. He noted that any action contrary to this principle would violate the legal hierarchy and infringe upon the acquired rights of higher education employees. He reiterated the college’s commitment to defending the legal rights of its staff, ensuring the dignity of both professors and employees, and maintaining the stability of the educational process.
College staff highlighted that financial challenges should not come at the expense of the higher education sector, which is a fundamental pillar in building the state. They warned that disrupting the job stability of faculty and staff would negatively affect the quality of education and scientific research.
The protestors emphasized that their actions were in line with peaceful, legal protest, aimed at defending the law and the constitution. They called on the concerned authorities to reconsider the decision and preserve the rights of university employees, ensuring fairness, job stability, and the continuation of the educational process.